Patients are admitted on the day of surgery
and this increases the difficulties for
practitioners in implementing effective
psychological and emotional preparation
(Walker 2002). Additionally, the transient
nature of the patient relationship
introduces challenges relating to patient
safety in a high-risk area and
implementation of anxiety management
strategies (NICE 2007, Callaghan 2011).
The perioperative patient is therefore
vulnerable due to the increased risk of
harm and the resulting development of
potential and actual problems related to
anaesthesia and surgery.